SDPA Diplomate Fellowship™

The SDPA Diplomate Fellowship™ program is an all-encompassing, online, didactic training program for PAs working in the field of dermatology who are also SDPA Fellow Members. The full program offers 64.75 hours of AAPA accredited Category 1 CME training, spread out across 22 modules. Each of the 22 modules will contain sections (or presentations) providing detailed training on the topics related to that module.

The program was created in conjunction with a core textbook, Dermatology Essentials – 1st or 2nd Edition by Bolognia et. al. This textbook will be used and referenced throughout the program and you will be asked to read associated chapters.

SDPA worked with testing industry experts (psychometricians) and dermatology professionals to build this standardized program from the ground up. All content was validated by the dermatology community to ensure it includes the skills, tools and knowledge set a dermatology PA needs to perform their job with excellence.

A list of all 22 modules can be found below:

• Module 1  -  Basic Principles of Dermatology
• Module 2  -  Diagnostic Procedures
• Module 3 –  Dermatopathology
• Module 4  -  Therapeutic and Surgical Procedures
• Module 5  -  Neoplasms
• Module 6  -  Papulosquamous Eruptions And Eczematous Dermatoses
• Module 7  -  Acne, Rosacea, and Other Adnexal Diseases
• Module 8  -  Infections and Infestations
• Module 9  -  Pruritus and Psychocutaneous Disorders
• Module 10  -  Urticarias, Erythemas, and Purpura
• Module 11  -  Pigmentary Disorders
• Module 12  -  Hair, Nails, and Mucous Membranes
• Module 13  -  Disorders Due to Physical Agents
• Module 14  -  Cutaneous Manifestations of Autoimmune and Connective Tissue Diseases
• Module 15  -  Vesiculobullous Diseases
• Module 16  -  Vascular Disorders
• Module 17  -  Disorders of Subcutaneous Fat
• Module 18  -  Disorders of Langerhans Cells And Macrophages
• Module 19  -  Cutaneous Manifestations of Metabolic and Systemic Diseases
• Module 20  -  Genodermatoses
• Module 21  -  Aesthetic Medicine
• Module 22  -  Dermoscopy

As the SDPA Diplomate Fellowship™ program represents the standard in dermatology PA education, graduates will be able to demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional patient care and function as a strong member of their team. Graduates will stand out amongst their peers as highly trained derm PAs with an exceptional dedication to the field of dermatology.

The SDPA Diplomate Fellowship™ program represents the standard in dermatology PA education, graduates will be able to demonstrate the program also provides a valuable tool to Dermatologists looking to train PAs in their practice. Whether a dermatologist is training a PA new to derm or ensuring well rounded skills for an experienced PA, the standardized nature of this program provides exposure to a broad didactic knowledge base to complement the Dermatologist’s practical training in the office even though some conditions are not regularly encountered.

Upon completion of the course members will receive their Diplomate Fellow status, and receive a beautiful certificate to display proudly. Your new status will also afford you the following benefits:

• Elevated standing in SDPA and derm PA community
• Larger discounts on SDPA’s conferences, membership dues, and other CME opportunities
• Access to VIP events at all SDPA conferences
• Public listing on the SDPA website as a Diplomate Fellow

• • Special listing in the ‘Find A Member’ search and the ‘Find a Dermatology PA’ search

Currently, all modules have been released.

• Module 1  -  Basic Principles of Dermatology - $21.00
• Module 2  -  Diagnostic Procedures - $12.25
• Module 3 –  Dermatopathology - $10.50
• Module 4  -  Therapeutic and Surgical Procedures - $19.25
• Module 5  -  Neoplasms - $35.00
• Module 6  -  Papulosquamous Eruptions And Eczematous Dermatoses - $38.50
• Module 7  -  Acne, Rosacea, and Other Adnexal Diseases - $24.50
• Module 8  -  Infections and Infestations - $35.00
• Module 9  -  Pruritus and Psychocutaneous Disorders - $7.00
• Module 10  -  Urticarias, Erythemas, and Purpura - $38.50
• Module 11  -  Pigmentary Disorders - $10.50
• Module 12  -  Hair, Nails, and Mucous Membranes - $26.25
• Module 13  -  Disorders Due to Physical Agents - $7.00
• Module 14  -  Cutaneous Manifestations of Autoimmune and Connective Tissue Diseases - $24.50
• Module 15  -  Vesiculobullous Diseases - $14.00
• Module 16  -  Vascular Disorders - $15.75
• Module 17  -  Disorders of Subcutaneous Fat - $5.25
• Module 18  -  Disorders of Langerhans Cells And Macrophages - $8.75
• Module 19  -  Cutaneous Manifestations of Metabolic and Systemic Diseases - $22.75
• Module 20  -  Genodermatoses - $21.00
• Module 21  -  Aesthetic Medicine - $38.50
• Module 22  -  Dermoscopy - $17.50

SDPA Members can purchase the modules through SDPA’s online Learning Center. The Learning Center is where all our online education is housed. Be sure to sign into your SDPA membership on dermpa.org before entering the Learning Center so you are automatically logged in.

If it does not automatically log you into the Learning Center, click “Sign In” in the top right-hand corner of the webpage (in grey) and enter your SDPA membership log-in credentials. Your log-in information for the Learning Center is the same as your SDPA log-in for convenience.

SDPA Members will be able to collect and report CME hours per module. Each time you complete a module, a CME certificate for that module will be issued and saved in your Transcripts in your Dashboard in the Learning Center.

SDPA highly values providing exceptional education opportunities at reasonable prices. The full course will cost around $450 when bundled, regardless of member type,. The textbook must be purchased separately.

When you purchase your first module, you must purchase the accompanying core textbook, Dermatology Essentials (1st or 2nd Edition) by Bolognia, et al, from any retailer where it is available.

The Diplomate Fellowship is available to purchase exclusively for SDPA members. It is not included with your membership. Regardless of member type, the cost of the Diplomate Fellowship is the same.

The program offers 64.5 hours of Category 1 CME.

SDPA Members will have 2 years, from the date of enrollment, to complete the full program (encompassing 22 core modules) and obtain Diplomate Fellow status. The 2-year completion timeline is to ensure that fellow members complete the course within an appropriate timeframe and are therefore able to retain and apply the knowledge they learned.

To pass each section, members must receive a score of 70% or higher on the exam. To complete the module in full, all sections must have a passing score. To complete the entire course and receive formal Diplomate status, members must pass all 22 modules within the 2 year completion timeline.

If a fellow member has not completed the course within the 2-year time period and contacts staff for permission to complete the course after significant time has lapsed, the SDPA member will be required to:

1. Complete any unfinished modules
2. Re-complete those modules which are not deemed as “introductory.”

SDPA will expect the member to complete these courses within a reasonable timeframe, as determined upon notification to staff by member. The fellow member will not be provided with another 2-year completion period. A new CME certificate will not be issued for any modules that members are required to re-complete in their entirety.

Yes, you may retake an exam one additional time if you receive a failing score.

No, while the Distance Learning Initiative (DLI), the predecessor to the SDPA Diplomate Fellowship™️ program, required a PA to have been working in dermatology and be an SDPA Fellow member for at least 1 year, the new program does NOT carry this requirement. The program was built to add value to the practice of both new derm PAs and those with experience in dermatology. All members are welcome and invited to begin the program at any time.

Once a fellow member has purchased and opened a module within the online Learning Center, SDPA will consider the course as having been “accessed and utilized” and refunds will not be issued. SDPA will not pay for return shipping fees for returned textbooks. Please contact staff immediately with refund requests at education@dermpa.org.

In the event of damage or loss of your core text book, a new text book will be issued at a cost to the learner of $45.00 USD plus the cost of shipping. Shipping will be determined individually by zip code. SDPA staff will remit an invoice for payment to the member. The replacement text will not be sent until the invoice has been paid. 

The SDPA Distance CME Committee, under the direction of the Board of Directors, reserves the right to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Explanation and background will be required when submitting any request for a refund exception. Requests should be emailed to education@dermpa.org.

The SDPA Diplomate Fellowship™ program is an entirely new program, built from the ground up. The DLI, which was SDPA’s former education program developed in 2005, was built in the clinical style with case study based learning. This new program is centered on one core text and all with a similar style and theme. Learners will be provided with all resources and information needed to complete the program and will walk away with improved skills, knowledge and training. Each module contains sections. Each section contains a presentation you will watch, an exam and an evaluation survey. The majority of sections will have an associated chapter in the core textbook that you will also be required to read.

Electronic CME certificates will be provided to fellow members module-by-module within the online Learning Center. SDPA will not provide printed versions of module CME certificates. Members can print their module certificates at any time within the online Learning Center.

Certificates can be found within the Learning Center. Log into your Learning Center profile and click on "Dashboard" in the lefthand side bar. In your Dashboard, click the "Transcripts/Achievements" button near the top of the page. Each completed module will be shown here with a link to the CME certificate earned. You can print this certificate out or save it as a PDF to your computer.

This means that you are either not an SDPA member or you are not logged into the Learning Center. Only SDPA members will be able to see available modules. To log into the Learning Center, you can click “Sign-on” seen in grey in the top right-hand corner of the Learning Center homepage. Your login credentials are the same as your SDPA membership.

You can also log in as a member on Dermpa.org and then click on “Online Learning Center” from the “Learn” tab. This will automatically log you into the Learning Center.

Once you are logged in, click on “Course Catalog” and then “SDPA Diplomate Fellowship™" from the quick links on the left-hand side of the catalog.

As of April 2024, all SDPA members can now purchase and complete the Diplomate program. As long as you are an SDPA member, you can purchase the Diplomate Fellowship™ and become a Diplomate. For full information on this change, please visit this page. 

As of April 2024, all SDPA members can now purchase and complete the Diplomate program, so now all modules are available for members to purchase. For full information on this change, please visit  this page. 

No, the new program does not affect your standing as a Diplomate. You do not need to complete the program to maintain your status as a Diplomate. You simply need to continue to meet the maintenance requirements every two years to maintain your well-earned status as a Diplomate.

The Distance Learning Initiative (DLI) was the former iteration of the current SDPA Diplomate Fellowship™ program. The DLI was built in 2008 and active until March of 2016. Members who completed this rigorous program have been trained and awarded a title of the highest standing in our society. The DLI contained 70+ hours of clinical style case study based learning. Upon completion of the course, members were awarded the title of Diplomate to signify their elevated standing – equal to that of a Diplomate Fellow.

When the DLI was retired in 2016, SDPA decided that the program warranted being rebuilt from the ground up. This was partially to update the technologies, system and information included in the course, but also because the DLI was owned in partnership with the UT Southwestern Medical School. The SDPA Diplomate Fellowship™ program is owned solely by SDPA. The SDPA Diplomate Fellowship™️ is centered on one core text and all with a similar style and theme. Learners will be provided with all resources and information needed to complete the program and will walk away with improved skills, knowledge and training. Each module contains sections. Each section contains a presentation you will watch, an exam, and an evaluation survey. Most sections will have an associated chapter in the core text book that you will also be required to read.

While members who complete the DLI and the SDPA Diplomate Fellowship™️ program have different titles awarded to them, their standing in SDPA and the dermatology community is equal. Both represent PAs with an exceptional level of training and dedication to the field of dermatology. Both “Diplomates” in the Fellow category and “Diplomate Fellows” receive the same membership benefits.

No, both Diplomates in the Fellow category and Diplomate Fellows receive the same membership benefits for having achieved and maintained their status:

• Elevated standing in SDPA and DermPA™ community
• Larger discounts on SDPA’s conferences, membership dues, and other CME opportunities
• Access to VIP events at all SDPA conferences
• Public listing on the SDPA website as a Diplomate Fellow
• Special listing in the ‘Find A Member’ search and the ‘Find a Dermatology PA’ search

Fellow members who complete the program will gain the title of “Diplomate Fellow.” “SDPA Diplomate” specifically refers to those members who completed the SDPA’s original training course, the Distance Learning Initiative (DLI).

Members should display their Diplomate Fellowship title exactly as follows once gaining Diplomate Fellow status:

• When written out: Diplomate Fellow, SDPA

Members in other categories who complete the program will earn a Diplomate title corresponding to their member type, such as "Diplomate Associate." For more information, please visit this page.

Once you have complete the full program, contact SDPA staff at education@dermpa.org and let us know. Once we have confirmed that you have completed the course in full, we will email you a beautiful copy of your certificate of Diplomate status. We will also add one to your online Dashboard in the SDPA Learning Center.

As the certificates are now emailed directly to the Diplomate, they are able to be printed multiple times at your convenience.

SDPA staff are always available and ready to answer your questions. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling us or sending an email at education@dermpa.org, or find us at the SDPA booth during our conferences.